"Lotus" is definitely in the water lily species. This is a Parrot's-beak ( Clianthus puniceus), an evergreen clambering vine. Hardiness zone 9-10. Plant in full sun!
Thank you so much Ashley, a wealth of information! I will pass this on to my friend who will be delighted to finally know what it is. Thank you so much for posting for me.
That is a Lotus Vine (Lotus berthelotii). Also known as Parrot's Beak. (The water lily-like plant from East India we call Lotus is actually a Nelumbo.) It's a perennial is warmer climates. We use it in hanging baskets here on the West Coast of North America. It doesn't always bloom for us, which I think may be either a lack of heat or humidity issue. I like the foliage well enough to grow it anyway.
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